Popcorn Maker

Are you a popcorn fan but you are tired of preparing it in the old fashion way? If so, maybe it’s time to try a popper that works even faster than a microwave. And it’s much healthier! A popcorn maker is a simple, yet very helpful kitchen appliance that helps you make your favorite snack within minutes. If you like, you can also add salt, butter, or whatever flavor you want. It may sound too good to be true, but now you can make popcorn at home for your family and friends every time you want. You just have to pick a well-made popper and get some popcorn kernels. Nothing complicated, right?
Currently, there are many models to choose from, so we thought it would be much easier to find the best ones for you. The selection process was a little bit demanding but fun at the same time as we got to know more about how these amazing poppers work. Here is what we’ve found.

Popcorn Makers Reviews

Cuisinart CPM-100

1. Cuisinart CPM-100

Cuisinart CPM-100 is a powerful appliance that uses hot air. This means you can enjoy healthy popcorn every time you want. The stainless steel housing is durable and the stylish design makes this popper perfect for any kitchen decor. Besides the unit and the popping chute, you will also receive a measuring cup which can also be used as a butter melting cup.

The operation of this appliance is easy, you just have to follow the instructions and turn it on. Popcorn will be chute directly into your favorite bowl. And this is not all, as the removable parts are dishwasher safe for more convenience and the cord can be easily stored to avoid any incidents.

PROS

CONS

Long warranty

You should use a tall bowl as the popcorn kernels tend to fly out

Various colors to choose from

Lightweight

Made of durable and safe materials

The body doesn’t get too hot

VERDICT

Cuisinart CPM-100 is a well-made popper and we truly like the fact that it’s easy to operate. In comparison to the other models, it comes with a generous 3-year warranty for ease of mind and you have the possibility to choose between different colors. The appliance is affordable and is made by Cuisinart, a respectable brand in the kitchen appliances industry.

6073 Great Northern Popcorn Little Bambino Popper

2. 6073 Great Northern Popcorn Little Bambino Popper

Our next model is made by Great Northern Popcorn and it does a pretty good job when it comes to delivering tasty popcorn. The popper works with oil, so it comes with a kettle made of stainless steel and a stirring system. The advantage is that you can use it with different types of oils to flavor your popcorn.

Operating the unit is not complicated at all, you just have to be careful and never use it when there’s no oil in the kettle. A great feature we like is the warming light for keeping popcorn warm after it’s done. Little Bambino Popper also has a convenient pull-out popcorn tray that can be washed in the automatic dishwasher.

PROS

CONS

Sturdy and durable

Not as lightweight as the other models

Various colors to choose from

Short warranty

You can also opt for the black version

Requires some assembly

ETL listed

Innovative design

VERDICT

Starting with the retro design and ending with the warming light, this popper is definitely among the best ones you can find. Except for some minor drawbacks that don’t affect the unit’s operation, the customers are satisfied with its performance, so we strongly recommend it for making fast and tasty popcorn at home.

West Bend 82505

3. West Bend 82505

There are many things we like about West Bend 82505, including the generous amount of popcorn it can produce, up to 27 cups. Additionally, the unit features a plastic cover that you can use as a serving bowl if you turn the popper upside. The cover is dishwasher safe for more convenience. You can even make butter flavored popcorn with the help of the built-in butter well.

In order to avoid any unpleasant situations, both the handles and the base are resistant to heat, so you can easily handle the unit when popcorn is ready. Last but not least, the cord storage allows a tangle-free operation.

PROS

CONS

Nonstick coated plate for easy cleaning

Hard to clean the space between body and cooking pan

Unique storage system: the base simply nests inside the cover

The plastic cover is rather thin

Lightweight

Sleeper side wall

Works with many oils

VERDICT

All in all, West Bend 82505 is an efficient and durable popper that won’t disappoint you. It’s easy to use and can deliver a large bowl of popcorn in several minutes. It doesn’t occupy too much space in your kitchen cabinet and is BPA-free, so it’s totally safe for you and your family. Nevertheless, there could be made some improvements, but overall we like its performance.

Presto 04863

4. Presto 04863

Presto 04863 is one of the most popular popcorn popper and here is why. First of all, it is easy to use and lightweight, so you can handle it without any inconvenience. Secondly, it’s powerful and it uses hot air, making it a greater choice for those who don’t want to use any oil. Thirdly, it’s less expensive in comparison to the other models, so you can enjoy delicious popcorn without paying a fortune.

For more convenience, the measuring cup doubles as a butter warming tray and the cord storage allows a tangle-free operation.

PROS

CONS

Lightweight

Doesn’t have an on-off switch

Affordable

Not dishwasher safe parts

Fast popping time

Rather noisy

Available in two colors

VERDICT

Presto 04863 is a reliable unit that works great. We like the fact it is stable, easy to use, and resistant, which makes it a wise long-term investment. What’s disappointing about the unit is the absence of an on/off button, as well as the noisy operation. But, there are more advantages this popper come with, so we definitely recommend it.

Hamilton Beach 73400

5. Hamilton Beach 73400

With the help of Hamilton Beach 73400 you can forget about the microwave and enjoy a healthier popcorn every time you want. The unit is powerful enough to deliver a great amount of popcorn within minutes, so this is the kitchen appliance you need if you love popcorn.

At the same time, the popper features a simple operation and it doesn’t cost a fortune. Not to mention the fact that it’s made to last and provides the same performance for many years. It chutes popcorn right into your bowl, while the measuring cup can be used as a butter melter if you want to add more flavor.

PROS

CONS

Budget-friendly

Doesn’t have an on-off switch

Compact design

Not dishwasher safe parts

Durable housing

The power cord is rather short

Long warranty for customers in Canada

VERDICT

We believe that Hamilton Beach 73400 is great popper that won’t disappoint you. Even though it lacks some important features, including an on/off button and a cord storage, the unit is very popular among customers. Why is that? Well, simply because it is cheaper than other models, but well made at the same time. And the most important, it delivers tasty popcorn.

iSiLER RH-588

6. iSiLER RH-588

In case you didn’t like any of the poppers presented, we come with another proposition. This model is cheaper yet it provides similar performance. The motor has a power of 1200W. It uses hot air and just by adding 2.82 oz. of kernels, which is approximately a spoon, it will deliver around 12 cups of popcorn. And this in maximum 3 minutes.

The machine is made of ABS, PC, and AL and has a 39-inch power cord. It measures 5.5 x 8.3 x 12.2 inches and weighs 1.8 pounds. It is available in black. Besides the machine, you will also receive the top cover and the measurement spoon. The spoon can also be used as a warming tray for the butter. This product is warranted for a period of 1 year and in case you aren’t satisfied with the results, you can return it within 3 months of purchase.

PROS

CONS

Lightweight yet highly-durable

It gets rather hot

Features a transparent cover to see the entire process

The stainless steel chamber won’t let the popcorn stick

90-day money back guarantee

Fast popping time, only 3 minutes

VERDICT

Great performance at an affordable price. This machine is easy to operate with the on/off switch and makes fresh and delicious popcorn in no time. It is made of durable materials and features a transparent cover. Additionally, it comes with a 1-year warranty and in you don’t like it, you can return it and receive your money back. However., you just need to be careful while using it as it gets hot.

Aicok B001

7. Aicok B001

This model from Aicok is a reliable option for all popcorn enthusiasts. It comes in a beautiful black design and is made of solid plastic. It measures 11 x 4.3 x 7.1 inches and weighs 1.54 pounds. Due to the fact that it uses hot air, you will be able to enjoy low-calorie popcorn. The 1200W motor is powerful enough to make your popcorn in less than 2 minutes. Just by adding one spoon of corn, the machine will pop out around 1.76 ounces popcorn. The popping mouth is very large, so popcorn will come out pretty fast and easy.

It features a simple turn on/off button and it comes with a 31.5 inches long power cord. Cleaning the unit is a simple task. After it cools down, take a damp cloth and gently wipe the body and the bottom. The interior of the unit can be cleaned with a paper towel or cloth. Both the included spoon, which doubles as a butter melter, and the top should be washed with warm water and mild soap. The manufacturer provides a 2-year warranty for this product and in case it gets defect it will be replaced.

PROS

CONS

Delivers healthy popcorn in maximum 2 minutes

Some popcorns fly out, so you may need a taller and larger ball

Lightweight design

2-year warranty and free replacement

Large popping chute

On/off button for an easy operation

VERDICT

This is a nice popcorn maker that does a great job. Besides the fact that the kernels are ready in less than 2 minutes, the popping rate is up to 98%. Easy to use and clean and is backed by a long warranty. We like de design, as well as the affordable price. The only major complaint is that some popcorns fly pretty far.

Dash Fresh Pop Popcorn Popper

8. Dash Fresh Pop Popcorn Popper

Made by a trustworthy brand, this popper is a really nice option. It has an aluminum heating chamber and uses 1400 watts of power. For enjoying a healthy popcorn, the machine uses hot air. It comes with a measuring cup to add the exact amount of kernels and it can pop up to 16 cups of popcorn. The cup can also be used as a tray for melting the butter in case you want to boost the flavor of the popcorn.

Once you add the kernels, just push the power button and wait for several minutes. For increased stability, the machine features non-slip feet. Cleaning it is a breeze as all parts, except for the electric ones, are dishwasher safe. The Dash popper is 12.7 inches tall and 5.2 inches wide and weighs only 1.8 pounds. To match your kitchen decor, it comes in 3 color options – aqua, white, and red. It includes a recipe book and the manufacturer backs it for a period of 1 year.

PROS

CONS

Features non-sleep feet for more stability

A little bit noisy

Available in aqua, red, and white

One-touch button operation

Includes a measuring cup and a recipe book

Has an aluminum heating chamber

VERDICT

This little machine does a wonderful job as it pops all the kernels. It is very easy to use and pretty stylish. It has a compact and lightweight design and cleaning it is a breeze. Nevertheless, it is rather noisy.

How We Rated the Poppers

As you can see, our comparison chart offers you information related to the design, features, or warranty of the products. While all these details are necessary to find out more about each model, only some of them are truly important when it comes to making a distinction between them. Based on the most important specifications, we ranked the products and selected the best of the best.

Popper Type

There are more types of poppers but we’ve only selected those which use either hot air or oil to make popcorn. The difference between these two popping methods is that the hot air technology prepares popcorn without adding any oil. Therefore, the hot air units make healthier popcorn, as there is no fat in your snack. Additionally, the popcorn is extra crispy but it’s rather difficult to add flavors after the kernels are popped. On the other hand, the models which use oil are more generous in allowing you to add various flavorings. Since these units use oil, the popcorn has more calories and this may be a drawback for some people. If you’re not concerned about your weight, there’s no other inconvenience in choosing them. Three of our models use hot air technology, namely Cuisinart CPM-100, Presto 04863, and Hamilton Beach 73400. The others two, 6073 Little Bambino Popper and West Bend 82505 use oil to cook your popcorn.

Amount of Popcorn Produced/Batch

The amount of popped kernels is measured in cups per batch. This information helped us get a better picture of how much popcorn the unit can produce when adding the maximum amount of kernels. The unit that produces the greatest amount of popcorn is West Bend 82505, cooking up to 27 cups. This makes it a better choice for a large family. The amount of popcorn produced by the other models varies between 15 and 18 cups.

Popping Time (min.)

All poppers selected by use work pretty fast, being able to deliver popcorn in under 5 minutes. The fastest one is Presto 04863 with a popping time of only 2.5 minutes, followed by Cuisinart CPM-100 with 3 minutes. Being able to make popcorn fast is definitely an advantage, so if you want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time watching your favorite TV show, these are the quickest units to consider.

On/Off Switch

Not having an on/off switch is not the end of the world, but isn’t it more convenient? Well, it definitely is. Sometimes little things matter and such is the case with our popcorn makers. A switch control is more convenient to turn the unit on and off and it’s much safer for the unit. Otherwise, you will have to plug and unplug the unit in order to start it or turn it off. The units which don’t feature an on/off switch are Presto 04863 and Hamilton Beach 73400.

Warranty

When the product you buy comes with a warranty, is simply offers you peace of mind in case its defective. So, the longer the warranty, the better. From our list, the popper with the longest warranty is Hamilton Beach 73400, 5 years warranty in Canada in 1-year warranty in the USA. The second one is Cuisinart CPM-100, being covered by a period of 3 years. West Bend 82505 and Presto 04863 have a 1-year warranty, while 6073 Little Bambino Popper comes with the shortest warranty, only 90 days on the machine and 30 days on the kettle.

Advantages of Having Your Own Popper

If you like popcorn that much, why not taking advantage of the benefits it comes with? There are many reasons to invest in a popper, one of the most important ones being the fact that, in comparison to the microwave, it cooks healthier popcorn. Besides this, a popper is affordable, cost-effective, and makes popcorn super fast and easy.

Healthy Snack

We all want delicious, yet healthy snack. Fortunately, popcorn contains fiber and antioxidants, which make it a great ally against diseases like diabetes, heart disease, or even cancer. However, the preparation method is very important and you should definitely avoid cooking popcorn in the microwave. A popper is much healthier, especially if it uses hot air.

Cost-Effective

In comparison to microwave bags, using a popcorn maker will help you save more money. By doing some simple math, you will discover that regularly buying microwave bugs will cost you more than using a popper. Of course, the result of this calculation depends on several things like whether you use oil or not, whether you add flavors or not, and so on. However, no matter how you like your popcorn, cooking it with the help of a popper will definitely cost you less money.

Fast Popping Time

You may think that nothing beats the microwave when it comes to popping time. You may be surprised to find out that some units can deliver your popcorn in 3 minutes or less. Quite impressive, right?

Durable and Inexpensive

Make sure you choose carefully your future popper as you will use it for many years. The advantage of a top-quality popper is that it’s made to last and to provide long-lasting performance without requiring any particular maintenance. At the same time, buying a reliable unit, won’t cost you too much money, as most models made by well-known brands are rather inexpensive.

Top Brands

Some manufacturers are more concerned about the quality of their products, thus gaining the trust of the customers. A respectable brand is basically an insurance that you buy a well-made product, without being disappointed by its performance. To learn more about the most reliable popcorn maker brands available on the market, read the following lines.

Cuisinart

Cuisinart brand needs no introduction as you have certainly heard about it. Ever since 1973, the company has been dedicated to developing a wide range of innovative kitchen appliances which are meant to revolutionize this industry. From food processors to tea kettles, the company is one of the best you can find. As for the popcorn makers, Cuisinart currently manufactures 5 different models to meet all their customers’ needs.

Presto

Founded in 1905, the Presto company has managed to become one of the most trustworthy in the kitchen appliances industry. Some of the most impressive products sold under the name of this brand are the FryBaby electric deep fryer, the PopCornNow, or the Pizzazz. At this moment, Presto offers you the possibility to choose one of the 8 poppers available.

Hamilton Beach

If you want a high-quality small kitchen appliance, opt for one made by Hamilton Beach. With a long history being, the company has succeeded in developing numerous products for customers around the world. The Hamilton Beach Manufacturing Company, established in 1910, started by developing universal motor-driven appliances for home use. Now, it’s very popular and well-known in the kitchen appliances industry. There are 4 poppers made by Presto, each of them being a great option.

Great Northern Popcorn

Even though not as popular as the other brands, Great Northern Popcorn is undoubtedly a great option to go with. The company manufactures hot dog rollers, cotton candy, snow cone and shaved ice machine, and, of course, popcorn machines. We can say that Great Northern Popcorn has specialized in manufacturing reliable popcorn machine, having the possibility to choose from more than 40 models.

All the poppers selected by us come with many positive reviews from the customers who bought them. After analyzing them, we came to the conclusion that Cuisinart CPM-100 is the best of them all because it’s well-made, efficient, and quite fast. However, if you want to invest in a model that comes with a retro design and some pretty interesting features, you can go with 6073 Little Bambino Popper. The last two popcorn makers from our comparison chart are more affordable but they lack some features. Now that you know both the good and the bad of the best poppers available, so you can make an educated decision without spending too much time doing your research.

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